Friday, March 30, 2012

WHEW....
I wanted to share what I've been up to for the last few days ~

If you hadn't noticed my Etsy shop has been empty for a couple months. I was letting everything expire so I could see what I had left and I was also collecting new and different goodies from here and there.

Well, for the last few days I've been compiling, photographing and loading it all into the store -

What's New - I've added several jewelry related pieces - Eiffel Tower Charms; Mini Bird Cages; Kraken (octopus) and a way cool garden gate charm that has two doors that actually open. Once these doors are open there is enough room to create a mini collage inside!!! How cool is that? I'm planning on sharing a tutorial showing how to embellish it.

Recently I was lucky enough to purchase a whole box full of new old stock Victorian Scrap (a.k.a. German Scrap) - you know the die-cut embossed images printed in Germany. Well I've been sorting and arranging, measuring and photographing. These images are WAY cool and can be used for collages, cards, gothic arches, atc's, scrapbooks, etc. I've still got about 1/2 of them to go but will hopefully get it all loaded in the next day or so.

What's Old is New - I have been hoarding lots of vintage goodies to share with you including a bunch of nifty cigar bands which I love to incorporate into collages; I found more cool flash cards in different sizes that are perfect for making Banners, cards and gothic arches and also a stash of watchmaker vials that are so much fun to use in altered jewelry; collage and mixed media creations.

I've also got some choice pieces for around the home including a Lefton's Dainty Miss Jam Jar; a cool looking Art Deco blue/yellow salt & pepper shaker set with a little stand and a few other goodies.

Steampunk / Vacuum Tube Goodness - I was also lucky enough to find another stash of old vacuum tubes. I know some people say they aren't really steampunk but hey it screams it to me so I say go for it ;) After all, it's your art and if it makes you happy that's what counts right?

So, I invite you over to take a peek at my shop and enjoy browsing at all the goodies.

Come back and tell me what you'd like to see, what you like or even what you don't like.

If you do you'll be entered to win an assortment of goodies I'm offering up in my store!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

These first few photos are made using Denim Alcohol Ink over Silver paint. They are both covered with Triple Thick Gloss Glaze. The difference between the two is the top example has a texture in the silver acrylic paint base coat where the bottom has a smooth base coat.

I had mentioned how dull the Alcohol Inks look over the silver prior to adding the top gloss coat. If you look on the bottom example in the upper right hand corner you can see what it looks like without the glaze. The color really intensifies under the gloss coat.

The texture really pops in this example....

I wish you could see how the silver base coat almost shimmers under the alcohol inks. There is so much more depth to the finished example than what the camera can pick up.

I used Crackle Accents over this example. It's really odd how the Crackle accents changes color of ink. It almost looks like a purple/grey over the silver.

The next few examples have been stamped between the Alcohol Ink and the Top Coat.

This example is made using Silver Acrylic base coat (textured), Red Chili Alcohol Ink, Image (JFF) stamped using Archival Ink and a top coat of Glossy Accents.

This example has a smooth base coat then stamped with Archival Ink (image StampersBest) with a top coat of Triple Thick Gloss Glaze.

This is the same example as above tilted a bit to try and show the silver undercoat.

This example was top coated with Crackle Accents...this ink didn't react nearly as much with the Crackle Accents as it did with the Denim AI.

Now the following examples were made using Perfect Pearls (red) and Twinkling H20's (purple/pink).

They didn't turn out nearly as well but I did get some unique looks from them.

I guess depending on your project these might be really stunning as well.

These both have the silver acrylic paint base coat, then a few layers of Forever Red Perfect Pearls was applied. The left example was covered with Crackle Accents, the right was covered with Triple Thick Gloss Glaze.

Different angle to highlight the silver base coat. You'll notice the PP really pulled and moved after the top coat was added... Made for an interesting finished look - it sort of reminds me of a weathered distressed truck that's been sitting out in a shed for years and years. Has some cool potential don't you think?

BTW, Ignore the solid dot of silver along the right side...I touched the PP before it was dry ;) LOL!!

The Crackle Accents also moved the PP around but not in the same way as the Gloss Glaze.

This was a total surprise...

This is silver base coat, a purplish color of Twinkling H20's (as you can see along the edges) which was then covered with - Left - Glossy Accents; Right - Rock Candy.

Both turned an amazingly neon pink color after the top coat was applied!

I do like how the Twinkling H20 moved around under the Glossy Accents...

Monday, March 26, 2012

Today I want to share a new technique with you. This is actually inspired by my son. Our school offers a program where you can learn a trade part of the day and go to regular school the remainder of the day. Bob has been taking Automotive Body Shop where he is learning how to repair dents & dings; replace fenders, door skins, etc., straighten frames and painting.

We were discussing the various types of paints and paint techniques and he was telling me about "candy paint" - it's a color mica powder that is usually layered over a silver base coat with a clear shiny top coat. That got me to thinkin'.....I can do the same thing on paper so here's what I've found out....

1. Paint your cardstock with the silver paint. I painted part of the examples with a smooth coat of paint and the rest I textured. Let this paint dry completely.

2. Next apply a coat of Alcohol Ink over the paint. The ink isn't going to look like much at this point....it's going to have a dull look over the silver.

NOTE: Since the real car technique is done with a mica powder I thought I'd experiment a bit using Perfect Pearls and Twinkling H2O's. Both were very difficult to apply over the silver paint and get good coverage. After much work I did get a semi o.k. look with both but it was ruined in step 4. This is why I ended up sticking with Alcohol Inks.

3. If you want to stamp your "Candy" it's time to do so. Use your favorite permanent waterproof ink. I like to use Archival ink but like I always say, use what you have.

NOTE: As your Gloss Coat begins to dry you will notice the color REALLY pop! This is where it all comes together. The Alcohol Ink over the silver base coat makes for an amazing combination. It really does look like the automotive paint technique.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

I just wanted to let you know that StampersBest has some really cool new releases!

This is one of the images....

There is an option to purchase a second stamp for only 1.00 more to share with a friend, use as a RAK or whatever you want!

Of course I ordered 1+1 so if you head on over to the New Release page, check out all the new stamps and come back and tell us which one is your favorite (or Favorites) you'll be entered to win my extra stamp :)

You will have until 3-31-12 to post your favorite to be entered to win!

Friday, March 23, 2012

O.k... picking up our Recycled Reese's Egg Vintage Easter collage (part 1) where we left off yesterday... If you recall we had painted the plastic egg form with a bit of gesso then applied bits of a dictionary page to the inside, added weight in the form of some large washers and set it off to the side to dry overnight.

Today I started off by sanding off all the rough edges.

I then mixed up a bit of French Blue acrylic paint with Golden Glazing Medium and painted the upper portion of the inside of the egg.

While the glaze was still wet I dabbed the medium with a tissue. By doing so it creates a soft texture you just can't get with a paint brush or sponge.

I repeated the process on the bottom half using a moss green acrylic paint.

And here is what it looks like at this point....

Now you know we've got to add a little shimmer to this project so I smeared some glue around and sprinkled it with glitter flakes and micro glitter. Ahhhh, doesn't that feel good ;)

While the inside is drying it's time to fix up the back of the egg.

I used Pink Sherbet Alcohol Ink and a felt.

Next I applied some double sided sticky tape on the back of the small rim that I left around the egg shape.

Peel off the liner and affix some vintage off white lace.

Now it's time to get to work on the inside.

I this stuff in my stash left over from my wreath making days ~ it's a natural shredded wood "moss". I figured out that it takes inks like a charm! So I pulled off a few bits and pounced on some Peeled Paint Distress Stain and let it dry. It doesn't take long because the wood is very absorbant.

Pull out your hot glue gun!!!

I started off by gluing some of the moss to the very back of the egg then started layering in the images and more moss.

until I was satisfied with how it looked...

To finish off the collage I added some bits of Dresden Trim (the gold stuff - a.k.a. German Scrap), a few tiny flowers then I added an old brooch at the top.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Yes, you read that right....I'm upcycling (I still can't get used to that term) a Reese's Easter packing for my next project! My son was shopping at Wal-Mart the other day and saw that Reese's had a pretty large Easter Egg treat and bought me one because he knew how much I LOVE them.

Well, when I pulled the egg out of this package I KNEW I was going to make something out of it. It was just too perfect not to use! Of course I had to eat the egg first - LOL!!

Which brings me to a question I rec'd the other day. Mandy e-mailed asking why I tend to use so many packaging products or what other people call trash in my art. I know many people think I'm on a "Green" kick but to be perfectly honest that's not the reason at all....I am proud to say I'm a pack-rat! I have been for as long as I can remember ~ I had notes from friends in Kindergarten (until mom sold my childhood jewelry box that is) but it's not trash in my eyes, it's potential art. I can see the hidden beauty in just about anything so why not use it. I find it much more challenging and rewarding to turn what some might consider garbage into art. I guess it's just my "thing".

Anyway, this is the plastic packaging the egg came in....

We're only going to be using the larger "egg" section but don't throw away the back section, we'll do something with that next week ;)

The first think I did was to trim off a big hunk of the upper portion of the plastic then did a finer cut around the egg shape leaving about .25" edge around the upper egg shape. I didn't cut any of the bottom portion away because this will turn into the stand area and part of the collage.

Here it is standing up....

The first thing I did was to paint the inside of the egg with a coat of gesso. This will get rid of the "slippery" factor you get with plastic and it also gives a nice tooth for any medium that will follow.

While the gesso is drying I tore up a page from an old dictionary. You could use any book page, pattern paper, tissue paper, napkins, etc. Whatever tickles your fancy.

One thing I did want to mention about pages from books. They usually have a white margin around the entire page. I normally tear this blank area off and discard it. The whole point is the using the text.

After the gesso is dry, I set a few large washers in the base. I did so for a couple reasons. First, it helps stabilize the egg while I'm working on the top part and second I will glue them in permanently a bit later to stabilize the actual collage.

Now it's time to start gluing the page pieces into the egg. I like to use Collage Pauge from Aleene's. I've tried all sorts and find it works great. It's readily available at most craft stores, averaged priced, cleans up easy and is nice to work with. You of course can use whatever glue you like.

I apply one piece at a time and smooth it around all of the humps and bumps in the packaging.

Once you've covered the upper egg portion, remove the washers and cover the interior of the base with paper. I also add a piece over each stack of washers.

Then I glue the washers to the bottom of the base. It's now time to let the entire piece dry. Depending on temps, humidity, amount of glue used, etc. it may take a while.

While the glue is drying I printed several Altered Pages collage images I will be using in the collage. Notice the large sheet is a full size sheet of collage images printed half size. I also digitally clipped, re sized and printed two additional images that will be the main focus of the collage.

Whenever I use images that I print myself I always seal them with Micro Glaze. It makes inks, paints, etc. waterproof and permanent. Super important when working with wet mediums such as glues, inks, paint, etc.

I know it may seem expensive but trust me a very tiny dab will do. The small images are approx. 2" square and to cover each image is simply touch my finger tip to the Micro Glaze. That's all you need for an image this size. I've had this same tiny jar for 4 years and it's still more than half full!

After you have covered each image you need to let the Micro Glaze dry completely.

Since I'm waiting on everything to dry we'll pick it up here tomorrow!

So, that means you have time to run out and buy one or two of the Giant Reese's Eggs....

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Recently Mom bought a paper mache type container that she is going to have filled with flowers for her secret sister (at her card club). It was nice but I thought it would be fun to spruce it up a bit.

So, here is what it started out as....

Since it's going to be holding flowers we're going to first get rid of the tiny ribbon handle.

Next, to give it a more vintage feel I applied Sepia Ink using my Ink Blending Tool to the entire container...even over the image.

I thought about adding a layer of clear micro beads to the image (because Mom LOVES them) but I figured since it was going to be filled w/flowers and handled quite a bit I'd go with something a bit more durable. So I applied a layer of Stickles Glitter Glue to the image to give it a bit of pizazz.

After the glitter was dry I decided to frame the image up by adding a bit of Dresden Trim around the edges.

Really sets it off and makes it pop huh?

Remember the very inexpensive garland that I salvaged from the Big Lots Easter Decoration? Well I thought the purple would make the violets in the image really pop so I added it to the top and bottom edge of the container using double sided sticky tape.

Then since it's going to house flowers I thought it would be nice to make a matching bow to add to them once it's finished. I pulled out my Distress Stains and a bit of seam binding.

Wet, ink and crinkle and I now have a pile of fun ribbon to use.
Notice the flowers - those are tiny white flowers that I used to soak up the excess ink left over on the craft mat. Those will be great to use on another spring-y project!

And here it is ready for flowers...

I'm going to see if Mom won't take a pic of it filled before she gives it to her SS. If she can I'll be sure to share it with you :)

So, if you're in the store and see an "average" decoration

remember you can always take a bit of time and spruce it up a bit to make it beautiful!

Teach Yourself Visually - Collage & Altered Arts

About Ink Stains

What constitutes a good day in my book? Ink Stains on my fingers! I want to share that good day feeling with you by offering up a variety of card sketches, altered projects & lay-outs, challenges and goodies to get you all Inked up!
If you've got an idea that you'd like to see or challenge for me to try I'd love to hear from you...till then, Ink On My Friends, Ink On!